Tom Kaechele, an influence to Old Tappan student athletes, both past and present, passed away on April 10, 2022 at the age of 64. He was described as a “son of Bergen County” and a friend to all of his colleagues. 

Kaechele’s first job was coaching the Belgium National and Junior Olympic teams. Thereafter, he headed to Tennessee, the headquarters for USA Baseball, where he assisted in conducting workouts for the up and coming athletes. 

After his time with USA Baseball concluded, Kaechele came back to New Jersey, where he had previously coached high school baseball at Northern Valley Demarest and had been a physical education teacher at NVD as well. Upon his return, Kaechele accepted an offer to coach baseball at Rutgers-Newark. 

During Kaechele’s four year tenure at Rutgers-Newark he was named the New Jersey College Coach of the Year twice, and under his leadership, he helped lead the Scarlet Raiders to three NCAA Regional Tournaments. He described baseball as his passion, and had a deep love for the coaching and recruiting process, as his goal was to help these athletes grow, both on and off the field. 

In 1998, Kaechele joined the NVOT family as Athletic Director and helped to transform all Golden Knight athletic programs. He was responsible for new staff and coaching hires and handled the first renovation of the athletic fields. His passion for the school community and each individual Golden Knight athlete was felt by all that had the honor to know him. He also served as the Supervisor for the Physical Education Department for a portion of his career. 

In addition to his role as the NVOT athletic director, he was also a long-time member of the Bergen County Coaches Association (BCCA), helping to promote Bergen County Athletics by way of the YMCA Sports Award Banquet. He also served on the Big North Executive Committee, the original NJSIAA Committee for state re-alignment and NJSIAA Advisory Committee for Leagues and Conferences. 

He is survived by his wife, Susanne, their daughter Alexandra, son Colin, as well as the many close relatives, friends, and colleagues that were influenced by his passion, dedication, and heart throughout his life. 

Kaechele was supportive of all NVOT athletics and clubs, particularly The Lance. Our deepest condolences go out to Mr. Tom Kaechele’s family at this difficult time. He will forever be the heart of Golden Knight athletics.